Montclair commuters get 'ashes to go'

Gretchen Lembach of Montclair receives the imposition of ashes from the Rev. Andrew Butler at the Walnut Street Train Station this morning, Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Christian season of Lent.

Butler and the Rev. Dr. Peter Jackson, the rector and deacon of St. John's Episcopal Church, stationed themselves on the railroad platforms between 7 and 8 a.m. to offer blessings and "ashes to go" to busy commuters.

Religious leaders from St. John's participated as part of a national campaign started by Episcopal churches called "Ashes to Go."

Butler told The Times, "More and more, people's schedules keep them from attending church, especially those who commute into NYC so we are taking the ashes to them."